Increasing Supports for Black Students

The new Student and Family Advocates initiative will help Black children and youth achieve their educational goals

Our PC government is committed to helping Black children and youth achieve their full potential by removing systemic and structural barriers and giving them the tools for success.

As part of the expanded Black Youth Action Plan, the Ontario government is investing $6 million over three years to create the new Student and Family Advocates (SFA) initiative in Ottawa, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area.

“Our government is committed to helping Black children and youth achieve their full potential. That’s why we are expanding programming under the Black Youth Action Plan and creating community-based initiatives like the Student and Family Advocates,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “We are working directly with community organizations to ensure these advocates are in the best position to help students achieve their academic, career and life goals by helping them overcome barriers and access more resources within the school system.”

Student and Family Advocates and their host organizations will work with students and their families to develop strategies for overcoming barriers within the school system, and help them access the supports, services and opportunities they need to achieve their goals and full potential.

The SFA program is part of a suite of community-based programs through the Black Youth Action Plan that includes early intervention programming; culturally-focused parenting initiatives and career and skills development programs.